What is Applied Behaviour Analysis?
The science of Applied Behaviour Analysis is often referred to as ABA. Technically, it is defined as: "... the science in which procedures derived from the principles of behaviour are systematically applied to improve socially significant behaviour to a meaningful degree and to demonstrate experimentally that the procedures employed were responsible for the improvement in behaviour".
More simply, ABA makes meaningful changes in people's lives through the use of procedures that have been demonstrated to work. The goal of an ABA teaching environment is to build socially significant behaviours in a meaningful way and to a meaningful degree. Generalisation, spontaneity and fun are essential components of successful intervention. Other definitions offer similar explanations.
To help improve your understanding of ABA, we'll look at addressing some of the myths and misunderstandings of ABA. Unfortunately, too many people are simply misinformed on what ABA really is. ABA is not a teaching method, instead it is the science behind the use of several methods of changing behaviour.
Misconceptions of ABA
Myth 1: "ABA is a one-size-fits-all approach"
Fact: ABA is child-centred and highly individualised, starting with an assessment of an individual's skills and the development of learning objectives. By observing a person's behaviour and collecting objective data, behaviour analysts are able to monitor progress and adjust interventions on a daily basis.
Myth 2: "There is evidence that other approaches are just as effective, or more effective, than ABA".
Fact: ABA is the only approach with substantial, documented evidence of its effectiveness for learners with autism.
Myth 3: "ABA needs a one-to-one pupil/teacher ratio".
Fact: ABA makes no refernece to staffing levels required to deliver a student's IEP. This is determined by the student's needs.
Myth 4: "ABA is limited to one or a few specific strategies, such as Discrete Trial Instruction".
Fact: ABA incorporates many strategies to improve people's abilities and quality of life. Essentially, ABA is "content free", and includes the following methods:
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Organisations & Sources of Information
| The Association for Behaviour Analysis | International membership organisation for behaviour analysts |
| Behaviour Analyst Certification Board | Accepted regulator for the professionals |
| Journal of Applied Behaviour Analysis | Research Publication |
| Association for Science in Autism Treatment | Scientific research on education and treatments |
| Organisation for Autism Research | Renouned source of applied research information |
| Psychological Society of Ireland | Professional body in Ireland |
| European Association for Behaviour Analysis | European membership organisation for behaviour analysts |
| Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies | Evidence-based applications of behavioural science |
Recently, a new Facebook group has been set up, ABA Ireland. The aim of this group is "to act as a forum for discussion for everyone interested in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in Ireland. It will allow us to keep each other informed about interesting conferences, seminars and workshops as well as relevant news articles, documentaries etc."
Why ABA?
There are many interventions on which scientific research has been undertaken. So why do people have such a preference for ABA? Advocates will state simply that research evidence shows it is the most effective - "years of research demonstrated the efficacy of applied behavioral methods in reducing inappropriate behaviour and in increasing communication, learning and appropriate social behaviour". Says who? The United States Surgeon General, in 1999.
There is a large number of significant, respected publications that restate this recommendation. We list just a few here:
What is the Eclectic Approach?
Ireland's Department of Education refer to their "child-centred" policy. This was previously expressed as their policy to provide an eclectic provision. To quote:
"In relation to specific provision for children with autism, the Government believes that as each child with autism is unique, they should have access to a range of different approaches to meet their individual needs."
But in their policy statements, there are references to ABA which suggest a limited understanding of the science of ABA, and instead perhaps having fallen for some of the myths listed above.
There are a number of Irish published review papers which suggest that ABA does not achieve better results that the so-called eclectic method. These include:
The professional ABA community has challenged the conclusions in these reports.
What are the ABA qualifications?
A person who holds a BCBA is one who has satisfied the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board, and can therefore call him or herself a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). Requirements include a prerequisite number of hours worked under the supervision of a BCBA and passing the required written exam. Those who hold a doctorate qualification can use the title of BCBA-D.
A BCaBA is a lower level of qualification, standing for Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst. (Previously, the term "associate" was used instead of "assistant"). Details of their work circumstances can be reviewed here.
University qualifications include primary and post-graduate Masters degrees in Behaviour Analysis. Some but not all behaviour analysts study psychology for their primary degreel. At the moment, colleges in Ireland providing courses include:
- Trinity College, Dublin
- University of Ulster, Coleraine
- University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College
A number of people working in Ireland have also attended Bangor University in Wales who have a significant ABA Department.
The BACB maintain an up-to-date list of certified practitioners, who must also satisfy continuing education requirements to maintain their registration. Qualification, experience and supervision are key elements in the CV of every behaviour analyst.
Parent Courses in ABA
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Recommended Reading Material
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